Native makes the breakthrough over hurdles

Rathmuck Native (8's to 6's) finally got off the mark over flights, as she took the Great Value Social Package Maiden Hurdle under Kevin Sexton for Peter Fahey.

Successful in a bumper at Downpatrick in September of 2014, the eight-year-old daughter of Definite Article was zero from eleven over hurdles before today.

Settled behind the leaders, the Edward Sexton owned bay jumped to the front three out and went clear after the next, going on to score easily seven lengths. Bakers Street (80/1) kept on to take second under Jeannie Cook for Paul Power, while Dark Outsider (25/1) was five lengths back in third under David Splaine for James Dullea. Round Tower was sent off the 7/4 favourite (from 5/2) and he finished a disappointing seventh under Johnny Barry for Karl Thornton.

Peter Fahey said afterwards: "She is actually very consistent and nicked black-type last year and it's grand to win a maiden hurdle.

"She'll run again on Sunday at Sligo in a mares novice hurdle and there's a chance she could run on the flat."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes